When you think of Hokkaido beer, what comes to mind?
I suppose it would have to be Sapporo Beer. However, Sapporo Beer's classic product, "Black Label," can be found all over Japan, right?

So, this time, I'd like to introduce some "Hokkaido-exclusive beers" that you can only enjoy in Hokkaido during this season.
In addition to Sapporo Classic, a standard Hokkaido-exclusive beer, there are also summer-only beers available at this time of year. So, if you're visiting Hokkaido in the summer, be sure to try these Hokkaido-exclusive canned beers that you can only enjoy now.

<Contents>
1. Sapporo Draft Beer "Black Label The Hokkaido"
2. Kirin Ichiban Shibori "Hokkaido Chitose Factory Limited Brew"
3. Sapporo Classic
4. Sapporo Classic Summer Refreshment
Final thoughts

"Kuro Label The Hokkaido" is a popular beer that has been on the market since 2013, and is becoming a seasonal staple, now in its fourth year of release.
This beer, which is usually released in April every year, was released on June 21st this year.

This beer, made with carefully selected ingredients from Hokkaido, uses barley malt from the Okhotsk area and Furano, and is a Hokkaido-exclusive and limited-quantity beer made with 100% rare Furano-grown hops.

The can design features a gold label, different from the usual black label, to emphasize its quality.

The back features an illustration of Hokkaido, expressing their affection for the region.
Compared to the regular Black Label, the aroma is definitely different, and you can enjoy a refreshing, light taste that's perfect for summer weather.

The Ichiban Shibori series, featuring all 47 prefectures of Japan, became a hot topic thanks to its TV commercials featuring the popular idol group Arashi.
Kirin has nine beer factories throughout Japan, each brewing products from the prefectures closest to it.

Kirin Ichiban Shibori "Hokkaido Chitose Factory Limited Brew" is one of only nine truly locally produced beers available nationwide.

I'd love to compare this beer with other regional Ichiban Shibori varieties, just like in the TV commercials, but it's quite difficult to get hold of, isn't it?

One way to do this is to collect the campaign stickers that come with the beer and enter the "Ichiban Shibori from all 47 prefectures" giveaway campaign.
The final deadline is August 19th, so there's still time!

It might be fun to apply and compare the Ichiban Shibori beers from each prefecture.

[ Ichiban Shibori giveaway campaign across all 47 prefectures ]

Sapporo Classic is a beer created exclusively for Hokkaido, tailored to suit the climate and ingredients of the region.
Made with 100% malt and 100% "Fine Aroma Hops," a premium variety of hop.
With its refined aroma and refreshing finish, this beer is truly perfect for Hokkaido.

Sapporo Classic, a beer that is only available in Hokkaido but has many fans outside of Hokkaido, has recently become so popular that some fans even go to the trouble of purchasing it online, perhaps due to its popularity and exclusivity.

Whenever I have the opportunity to drink beer with someone who has come to Hokkaido, I try to choose this beer whenever possible.
As it's a beer only available in Hokkaido, it's sure to be a hit with those who have never tried it before, and it's a great conversation starter.

On July 15th and September 16th, "Sapporo Classic Freshly Brewed" will also be released in limited quantities.
This product prioritizes the freshness of the beer, shipping it within 3 days of production.

It was also released in limited quantities in February and April, so it must have been popular to warrant another release.
If you happen to come across this while traveling, why not try comparing it to others?

The second product in Sapporo Classic's "Classic that delivers seasonal flavors" series is "Sapporo Classic Summer Refreshment."

Following the first release, "Sapporo Classic Spring Aroma," this product features a striking can with a blue gradient reminiscent of a refreshing summer sky.

Compared to the Hokkaido-exclusive beer "Sapporo Classic" that I mentioned earlier, this beer is characterized by its higher carbonation and alcohol content.
With its crisp, refreshing taste and crisp finish, this beer is perfect for a summer day in Hokkaido.

Be sure to enjoy this double-layered limited edition product, which is "Hokkaido exclusive" and "limited quantity"!

<Conclusion>

This is the perfect season for beer. The key to enjoying beer to the fullest is to choose one that suits the weather.

When I went to Hawaii, I noticed that every bar had Ichiban Shibori beer, so at first I drank only that, but it felt a bit heavy, so I switched to Budweiser, and it tasted even better than usual.

When I drank it in Japan, I had the impression that it had a weak taste, but in hot Hawaii, it tastes much better and is easier to drink.
At that time, I realized again how important it is to choose a beer that suits the local climate and food.

With the summer tourist season approaching, if you're planning a trip to Hokkaido, why not try some Hokkaido-exclusive canned beer that's only available during this time of year?

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